It flows southeast from its source near the North Rim of the canyon to Tapeats Creek.

The upper portions of the trail were originally built in 1876 when rumors of placer gold led speculators to need a way into the area.

Water emerges from the Muav Limestone in a deep cave system at approximately 54 °F (12 °C).

[10] Common trees near the spring include Fremont's cottonwoods and white sumac.

Along the river are willows, seepwillows, other shrubs, crimson monkeyflower, maidenhair fern and other riparian fauna.